Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3 Western Australia, Series 3
Volume 7
Number 4 July-August, 1958 Article 8
7-1958
Co-operative control of the dingo Co-operative control of the dingo
J. Hardie R. Lukis
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Recommended Citation Recommended Citation
Hardie, J. and Lukis, R. (1958) "Co-operative control of the dingo," Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3: Vol. 7: No. 4, Article 8.
Available at: https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture3/vol7/iss4/8
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CO-OPERATIVE;
CONTROL OF THE DINGO
By J. HARDIE and R. LUKIS.
V
ERMIN control measures in the pastoral areas have often been rendered less effect- ive by the existence of a number of Vermin Boards each operating independently of its neighbours. Bonus payments for scalps for instance, have often varied consid-erably, even between boards with adjoining territories, so t h a t trafficking in scalps was encouraged. Bonus payments by some boards have been excessively high, with the result t h a t shortage of funds has soon compelled a reduction of the bonus rate which in turn has brought about a steep build-up in the vermin population.
FOREWORD
To those who are interested in the pastoral activities of Western Austra- lia, John Hardie and Rob Lukis need no introduction.
The co-operative wild dog drives inaugurated by these two, in company with a few other far-sighted neigh- bours, have been the greatest advance made in wild dog control for many years.
The drives have been extremely successful, and have formed on out- standing example of the practical application of the mass destruction technique so widely advocated now for vermin control.
Although these drives are now being backed by the Vermin Boards, originally they were quite voluntary, which is indeed a tribute to the originators and all those who now participate.
The Agriculture Protection Board has assisted with the drives, and it has been a pleasure to work with so co-operative a band.
When I suggested to the authors that the benefit of their experience would assist other dingo troubled districts, they willingly agreed to share their knowledge. This interest- ing article is the result.
A. R. TOMLINSON, Chief Vermin Control Officer.
After many years of striving to achieve some form of co-ordination, some of the older members of the pastoral community evolved a system of co-operative dingo destruction which has given excellent results, and paved the way for further concerted efforts.
A system of zoning for 32 station pro- perties covering an area of over 20,000 square miles was mapped out. Each zone consists of four to six stations according to geographical position and physical features. The members of each zone select a leader whose responsibilities a r e :
(a) TO represent the zone in the supervision of doggers engaged in each drive.
(b) TO pay the men employed—and later to collect funds from the other stations in the zone.
(c) TO convene meetings of the zone members to discuss m a t t e r s in connection with the field work.
(d) TO furnish a report to the field officers of the Agriculture Protec- tion Board at the conclusion of drive.
The co-operation of the Agriculture Protection Board has been an important factor in achieving success. As one pastoralist remarked "Their field officers know a lot about vermin of all kinds, and pastoralists in particular." The Chief Vermin Control Officer visited the area to gain first-hand knowledge of the problems involved and then backed up the efforts of his field officers so t h a t the fullest
423
possible degree of co-operation was ensured.
The scheme was first proposed to the Agriculture Protection Board in mid-1954 and since then there have been three co- ordinated annual drives throughout the area timed to coincide with the period when the dingo bitches bring their pups down from the ranges to teach them to hunt. On leaving the whelping-grounds they come into large areas that are heavily baited as a result of one hundred per cent.
co-operation by all the 32 stations in the area.
Each drive is of one month's duration and known "kills" of 194 dogs in 1955, 172 1956 and 104 in 1957 have been recorded.
Since this scheme has become an annual event the Protection Board in its willingness to help those who try to help themselves, has seen fit to organise a second drive annually during April-May carried out by their field officers and doggers at a time when the mating season of the dingo is in progress. A third drive will be undertaken this year to commence during August-September. A team of doggers under the control of the Protec- tion Board's Regional Vermin Control Officer will hunt and destroy pups and parents in any known breeding areas. This will be known as a "dingo pup drive."
SCHOOLS OF AGRICULTURE—NARROGIN, DENMARK AND HARVEY
Applications are now being invited for the two years' vocational course at the Schools of Agriculture commencing in February, 1959.
Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 17 years and must have passed the sixth standard of the Primary School curriculum.
Applications must be made on the prescribed forms obtainable on request from the Education Department, Perth, and must be lodged prior to the 1st November, 1958.
The schools provide for post primary work and also practical and theoretical instruction in the following subjects:—
Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Farmwork, Blacksmithing, Tinsmithing, Carpentry, Building Construction, Dairying, Slaughtering, Gardening' Poultry Raising, Pig Raising, Shearing, Woolclassing, Farm Bookkeeping, etc!
I n addition the course is extended to include the following subjects:—
At Narrogin.
Leathercraft, Fruit Drying, Orchard Work and Wheat Growing.
At Denmark.
Leathercraft.
Students selected for the course are eligible for the living away from home allowance provided their homes are not situated close to the school.
Further particulars may be obtained from the Education Department, Perth.
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